If I Ran the Zoo
IF I. Series
on Goodreads (11,210)
What’s inside...
This children's book follows a young girl as she imagines running her own zoo, exploring her ideas for the animals she would include, the food provided, training methods, and pricing for patrons. It is written in homage to Dr. Seuss. Additionally, the story highlights Gerald McGrew's fantasy of creating a unique zoo filled with bizarre and extraordinary creatures. Through a blend of rhyme, rhythm, and repetition, Dr. Seuss crafts an engaging narrative that helps children learn to read, while celebrating creativity and imagination.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-6
Length
56 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What kind of zoo would you create if you were in charge, and what kind of animals would you have?
How do you think the animals feel about being in McGrew's zoo?
What does the story tell us about taking care of animals?
Why is it important to treat animals with kindness and respect?
Can you think of some ways we could make zoos better for the animals?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to use their imagination and describe their ideal zoo, discussing not only the types of animals but also the environments they would create for them.
Discuss the responsibilities of taking care of animals, emphasizing empathy and ethical treatment.
Investigate different animals and their natural habitats together, and compare those to the imaginative ones in the book.
Explore the concept of conservation and preservation, and how zoos can play a role in protecting endangered species.
Use the book as a springboard to visit a local zoo or an animal sanctuary, if possible, to engage in real-world learning.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The protagonist, Gerald McGrew, imagines a variety of unique and fantastical creatures that he would like to have in his zoo, showcasing his boundless creativity and vision.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to engage in creative play and imaginative thinking, allowing them to explore new ideas and express themselves in diverse ways.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Care
Explanation: Gerald plans not just to collect, but also to properly care for the diverse creatures he dreams of. This demonstrates the importance of responsibility towards those in one's charge.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the significance of caring for pets or even their toys, understanding that being responsible for another being or object is a continuous commitment.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Diversity
Explanation: The variety of strange and wonderful animals imagined by Gerald represents a celebration of diversity and an openness to differences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and embrace diversity in the world around them, learning from and valuing what makes others unique.
Example Lesson: The Power of Vision
Explanation: Gerald's ambitious idea to create a new kind of zoo highlights the power of having a vision and the belief in one's own ideas.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to set goals and pursue their dreams, no matter how big, with confidence and determination.
Example Lesson: The Joy of Sharing Ideas
Explanation: By the end of the book, Gerald is excited to share his imaginative zoo with others, illustrating the joy of sharing one's creative ideas.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to share their ideas and creations with family and friends, which can boost their confidence and communication skills.